Thaung is a 31-year-old man who is married with one daughter. His wife and him work together as agricultural day laborers. Thaung's monthly income is just enough to meet their daily needs. He shared that he had to borrow money for food from his neighbor when he was out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup in Burma, and he is working to pay them back. In October 2021, Thaung noticed a small ulcer and went to see a retired army doctor who lives in his village. He received some medication, and his ulcer healed. However, a few months later, the growth returned. Thuang and his family were able to fundraise through their church to visit a local hospital. Upon review, he was diagnosed with cancer and the doctor informed him that he would need to undergo surgery. Currently, Thaung is in pain and has difficulty working and sleeping. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), can help Thaung receive treatment. On April 11th, he is scheduled to undergo surgery. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Thaung shared, “When I recover from surgery, I will work hard to pay back my debt to the neighbors we borrowed money from. I want to live with my family for a long time, and I want to support my family as much as I can.”

Jackline is farmer who is helping raise her grandson after her daughter died in a road traffic accident last year. She plants maize and beans to earn a living for herself and her grandson. For the past six months, Jackline has been experiencing lower abdominal pain and other worrying symptoms. Doctors have diagnosed her with uterine myomas. She needs surgery but is unable to raise the money needed for surgery and has asked for help. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is raising $219 to fund Jackline's surgery. On April 5th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Jackline will be able to resume her daily activities and caring for her grandson free of pain. Jackline said: “I will really be glad to have my health restored and will be able to continue farming to provide for my grandson.”

Sim is a 59-year-old potato farmer. He is married with three sons and four daughters; his wife is also a farmer. All of his children are married and live elsewhere in their province. In his free time, he likes to exercise, play with his grandchildren, and listen to the local and national news on his radio. A year ago, while spreading insecticide from his tractor, he was overcome by the fumes, passed out and crashed the tractor. His shoulder was paralyzed, and Sim was diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right shoulder side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. The injury prevents him from lifting his shoulder, bending his elbow or moving his arm. He is unable to use his arm to work, dress himself, hold his grandchildren or perform most activities of daily living. Sim traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On May 10, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, Sim hopes that he will regain some use of his arm so he can return to farming and support his living. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Sim said: "I hope this surgery will work to allow me to use my arm again so I can work. I feel very poorly, and cannot work or help my wife at home."